Power outages on the cards as CEB struggles to pay for fuel: unions

ECONOMYNEXT – Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) trade unionists has told Sri Lankans already burdened by gas and milk powder shortages to brace themselves for power cuts in the coming days due to the CEB’s inability to purchase fuel.

One union leader on Friday (07) asked CEB’s consumers to find candles.

A CEB statement said due to a breakdown in power plants and increased electricity demand, power cuts can be expected in several areas of the country on Friday as well.

Due to the sudden breakdown in the Kelantissa power plant, several districts experienced a power outage on Thursday (06).

The CEB said until repairs at the Kelanitissa power plant are complete, electricity will be supplied by the Sapugaskanda power plant.

CEB Technological Engineers’ and Superintendents’ Union President A G U Nishantha told reporters on Friday that it will take at least another two days for the machine to cool down for it to be repaired.

“The CEB should have informed the public about any shortage and take measures to manage it,” said Nishantha.

When asked about uninterrupted power supply in the future, Nishantha said due to the CEB’s inability to purchase fossil fuel as a result to the ongoing forex shortages, the country can experience long term power failures in the future.

Of the total electricity generation of 45.12 gigawatt hours in the country, 23.91 gigawatt hours is generated through fossil fuel burning.

“Emergency power is generated through fossil fuel such as diesel and burnt oil. We can get to a similar long term power failure situation with our inability to purchase these fuels,” said Nishantha.